Fastening for mail-matter and other packages.



J. SUMMERS & M. A. GIBSON. FASTENING FOR MAIL MATTER AND OTHER PACKAGES. APPLIGATION FILED APR. 5, 1913.

1,125,755. Patented Jan.19,115.

THE NORRIS PETERS c0.. PHOTOVLITHOH WASHINGfON, D. C.

JOHNSOMMERS AND IEARTIN A. GIBSON, OF ST. JOSEPH, MISSOURI.

FASTENING: FOR MAIL-MATTER AND OTHER PACKAGES.

Application filed April 5, 1913.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, JOHN SoMMEns and MARTIN A. Gissoiv, citizens of the United States, residing at St. Joseph, in the county of Buchanan and State of Missouri, have invented a new and useful Fastening for Mail-Matter or other Packages; and we do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to the art of fasteners, and more especially to a package fastener, by which it is desired to secure a cord or like binding temporarily, and while the fastener may be used for various purposes it is particularly adapted for securing packages of mail matter.

As an object of the invention temporary reliable means is provided for fastening the end of a cord or like binding without tying a knot, and in such a manner as to render the cord releasable without injury thereto, in order that the cord may be used again.

One of the features of the invention is a plate, preferably constructed of celluloid or the like having an aperture at one end to receive a nail in order that the plate may be suspended when not in use and provided 'with an offset annular flange adjoining the aperture, which flange is constructed with an overhanging portion provided with a rib whereby upon connecting the cord or other bindin about the annular flange the second time, the cord will be securely clamped.

Another feature of the invention is the construction of a depression or bend in the plate, whereby upon pressing ones thumb against the plate, the same will be rocked sutliciently to throw the end having the annular flange from the package, in order to render it easier to extend the cord about the flange.

The invention comprises further features and combination of parts, as hereinafter set forth, shown in the drawings and claimed.

In the drawings :-Figure 1 is a view in perspective showing a package of mail matter securely tied by means of the improved fastener. Fig. 2 is an enlarged detail View of the plate. Fig. 3 is a sectional view on line 3-3 of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a sectional view on line 4'4 of Fig. 3.

Referring more especially to the draw- Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented J an. 19, 1915.

Serial No. 759,177.

ings, 1 designates a package of mail matter, which is bound by a suitable cord or other binding 2. One end of this cord is tied or otherwise fastened in an aperture 3 of the plate 4, while the other end of the cord terminates in a knot 5 to prevent its unraveling. The upper face of this plate at one end is constructed with a button member 6, which is formed integral with the plate, and extending through the button member and the plate is an aperture 7 which toward the bottom and top tapers or is funnel shaped, as shown at 8, whereby a nail in the wall is easily insertible therethrough, in order to suspend the plate when not in use. This button member comprises an annular flange 9 having an overhanging portion 10, which is constructed with a downwardly extending annular rib or ridge 11 provided with a roughened surface 12. This rib with its roughened surface securely clenches or clamps the cord when wound about the button member, especially the second winding of the cord.

The plate is provided with a depression or bent portion, whereby upon pressing the plate against the package, will rock the same, in order to throw the end of the plate having the button member out from the package, whereby the cord or other binding may be easily wound about the button member. This depression or bent portion is designated by the character 13. In wrapping a package of ma l matter, the plate is held against the package by the thumb of the mail clerk or other operator, so as to throw the button end f the plate outwardly from the package. The cord is passed about the package in the direction of the arrow a, then about the button member in the direction of the arrow 6, again about the pack age in the direction of the arrow 0. and subsequently the second time about the button member in the direction of the arrow cl, which second winding of the cord about the button will be securely clenched or clamped by the roughened rib or ridge.

The invention having been set forth, what is claimed as new and useful is A fastener comprising a celluloid plate having a depression at one end forming a curved portion, and provided with a button member on one face at the other end, said button member comprising a flat disk having a cylindrical connection integrally connected to said plate and having an aperture extending through the plate, the connection, and the disk, the under face of the disk havlng an annular ridge provided With serrations or teeth and extendlng toward the plate to prevent slipping of a piece of cord Which is designed to be Wound about the cylindrical connection, said ridge being spaced apart from the cylindrical connection to form a channel for the Wound cord, said plate adapted to be tilted owing to the curved portion of the plate engaging the JOHN soMMERs, MARTIN A. GIBSON.

Witnesses:

FRANK BOW AN, EDWIN L. KIs

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. G. 

